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The Applied Mathematics assessment measures the examinee's skill in applying mathematical reasoning to work-related problems. The test questions require the examinee to set up and solve the types of problems and do the types of calculations that actually occur in the workplace. This test is designed to be taken with a calculator. As on the job, the calculator serves as a tool for problem solving. A formula sheet that includes all formulas required for the assessment is provided.
This assessment contains questions at five levels of complexity, with Level 3 being the least complex and Level 7 being the most complex. The levels build on each other, each assuming the examinee's proficiency at the skills assessed at the preceding levels. Examinees are given 40 minutes to solve 30 multiple-choice problems.
Level 3
Problems at Level 3 measure the examinee's skill in performing basic mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and conversions from one form to another, using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, or percentages. Solutions to problems at Level 3, are straightforward, involving a single type of mathematical operation. For example, the examinee might be required to add several numbers or to calculate the correct change in a simple financial transaction.
Problems at this level translate easily from a verbal setup to a mathematical equation. All the information needed to solve the problems is provided in logical order and no unrelated information is included. Problem setups may include units of measurement. However, with the exception of dollars and cents, these units function solely as labels and are not involved in actual calculations.
Level 4
Problems at Level 4 measure the examinee's skill in performing one or two mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, or multiplication, on several positive or negative numbers. (Division of negative numbers is not covered until Level 5.) Problems may require adding commonly known fractions, decimals, or percentages (e.g., ¼, .75, 25%), or adding three fractions that share a common denominator. At this level, the examinee is also required to calculate averages, simple ratios, proportions, and rates, using whole numbers and decimals.
Problems at this level require the examinee to reorder verbal information before performing calculations. The examinee must read the entire problem carefully to determine which operation(s) to perform and in what order. In some problems, examinees must read a simple chart or graph to obtain the information needed to solve the problem.
Level 5
Problems at Level 5 require the examinee to look up and calculate single-step conversions within English or non-English systems of measurement (e.g., converting from ounces to pounds or from centimeters to meters) or between systems of measurement (e.g., converting from centimeters to inches). These problems also require calculations using mixed units (e.g., hours and minutes).
Problems at this level contain several steps of logic and calculation. The examinee must determine what information, calculations, and unit conversions are needed to find a solution. For example, the examinee might be asked to calculate perimeters and areas of basic shapes, to calculate percent discounts or markups, or to complete a balance sheet or order form.
Level 6
Problems at Level 6 measure the examinee's skill in using negative numbers, fractions, ratios, percentages, and mixed numbers in calculations. For example, the examinee might be required to calculate multiple rates, to find areas of rectangles or circles and volumes of rectangular solids, or to solve problems that compare production rates and pricing schemes. The examinee might need to transpose a formula before calculating or to look up and use two formulas in conversions within a system of measurement. Level 6 problems may also involve identifying and correcting errors in calculations.
Problems at Level 6 may require considerable translation from verbal form to mathematical expression. They generally require considerable set-up and involve multiple-step calculations or conversions.
Level 7
Problems at Level 7 require multiple steps of logic and calculation. For example, the examinee may be required to convert between systems of measurement that involve fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, or percentages; to calculate multiple areas and volumes of spheres, cylinders, and cones; to set up and manipulate complex ratios and proportions; or to determine the better economic value of several alternatives. Problems may involve more than one unknown, nonlinear functions, and applications of basic statistical concepts (e.g., error of measurement). The examinee may be required to locate errors in multiple-step calculations.
At this level, problem content or format may be unusual, and the information presented may be incomplete or implicit, requiring the examinee to derive from the setup the information needed to solve the problem.
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